Controllable lenticular lenslets

ABSTRACT

An autostereoscopic 3D display system includes a display having a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel is configured to display light rays representing a left-eye view and a right-eye view of an image. The autostereoscopic 3D display system further includes an optical-deflection system configured to control the light rays representing the left-eye view and the right-eye view. The optical-deflection system includes a separately controllable lenslet associated with each pixel, where the lenslet is configured to steer the light ray representing the left-eye view corresponding to the pixel, and steer the light ray representing the right-eye view corresponding to the pixel.

BACKGROUND

3D-display systems have existed in a variety of forms for many years.Generally, these systems convey a sense of depth by presenting slightlydifferent views of a similar image to each of a viewer's eyes.Conventional systems have employed color filters (such as the red/cyanglasses), type of light-polarization, or polarization angles, andrequire filters placed near the eyes. More recently, displays have beendeveloped that can present 3D images without requiring the use of suchfilters. These displays, for example, often employ lenticular lenses orparallax barriers, etc. Such display systems are known asautostereoscopic displays.

SUMMARY

One exemplary embodiment relates to an autostereoscopic 3D displaysystem including a display comprising a plurality of pixels, where eachpixel is configured to display light rays representing a left-eye viewand a right-eye view of an image. The autostereoscopic 3D display systemfurther includes an optical-deflection system configured to control thelight rays representing the left-eye view and the right-eye view, wherethe optical-deflection system includes a separately controllable lensletassociated with each pixel. The lenslet is configured to steer the lightray representing the left-eye view corresponding to the pixel, and steerthe light ray representing the right-eye view corresponding to thepixel.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method for displaying 3Dimages. The method includes displaying, using a plurality of pixels,light rays representing a left-eye view and a right-eye view of animage, and controlling the light rays representing the left-eye view andthe right-eye view by using at least one separately controllable lensletper pixel. The lenslet is configured to steer the light ray representingthe left-eye view corresponding to the pixel, and steer the light rayrepresenting the right-eye view corresponding to the pixel.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon forexecution by a processing circuit. The instructions include instructionsfor controlling a plurality of pixels configured to display light raysrepresenting a left-eye view and a right-eye view of an image, andinstructions for controlling at least one separately controllablelenslet per pixel. The lenslet is configured to steer the light rayrepresenting the left-eye view corresponding to the pixel, and steer thelight ray representing the right-eye view corresponding to the pixel.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the drawings and the followingdetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an autostereoscopic display including anoptical-deflection system according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an autostereoscopic display including anoptical-deflection system according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of a processing circuit according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 a is a schematic diagram of light rays and controllablelenticular lenslets according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 b is a schematic diagram of light rays and controllablelenticular lenslets according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of light rays and controllable lenticularlenslets according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of light rays and controllable lenticularlenslets according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 a is a schematic diagram of light rays and controllablelenticular lenslets according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 b is a schematic diagram of light rays and controllablelenticular lenslets according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 a is a schematic diagram of light rays and controllablelenticular lenslets according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 b is a schematic diagram of light rays and controllablelenticular lenslets according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a process for using controllable lenticularlenslets according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process for using controllable lenticularlenslets to alter a viewing location according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process for using controllable lenticularlenslets to alter a viewing location according to an exemplaryembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments for controllablelenticular lenslets are shown and described. To display 3D images, anautostereoscopic display system may present a left-eye view and aright-eye view of an image and, while displaying each view, direct lightrays corresponding to the views towards the left or right eye,respectively. For example, the system may track the position of aviewer's left eye and, when the system displays the left-eye view,direct light towards the tracked position of the left eye. Likewise, thesystem may track the position of the viewer's right eye and, when thesystem displays the right-eye view, direct light towards the trackedposition of the right eye. In this way, the system may display theleft-eye view to the viewer's left eye and the right-eye view to theviewer's right eye. As another example, the system may direct theleft-eye view and right-eye view to a determined viewing location. Byusing images that are offset in a way that mimics the real-life offsetassociated with viewing the same scene from the perspective of each eye,the display system may help to give the appearance of depth to adisplayed image.

Utilizing electrically controllable lenslets, the optical-deflectionsystem of a display may control the beams representing the left-eye andright-eye views. Some embodiments may be configured with one lenslet perpixel of the display, while other embodiments may use multiple lensletsper pixel. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrically controllablelenslets utilize electro-refractive materials. Such lenslets may includeelectro-refractive lenses, electro-refractive prisms, evanescent-basedelectro-optic components, and electro-refractive components formed usingelectrowetting techniques, etc. The refractive index of theelectro-refractive materials may be electrically adjusted, therebyactively steering light beams passing therethrough by a controlledamount. In another embodiment, the electrically controllable lensletsutilize surface acoustic waves to steer the light beams. In thisarrangement, surface acoustic waves are generated to control thediffraction of light beams passing therethrough. A sweet-spot, or idealviewing location, may be defined and adjusted laterally or in range bycontrolling the angular deflection of left-eye and right-eye beams.Controllable lenslets may be used separately or in conjunction withother fixed stereoscopic components (e.g., components that are primarilyresponsible for splitting a source beam into left-eye and right-eye viewbeams, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of autostereoscopic display system100 for executing the systems and methods of the present disclosure isshown. According to an exemplary embodiment, autostereoscopic displaysystem 100 includes processing circuit 102, display 104, andoptical-deflection system 106. Each of component 102, 104, and 106 maybe coupled to a system bus to facilitate communications therebetween.Some embodiments may not include all the elements shown in FIG. 1 and/ormay include additional elements not shown in the example system ofFIG. 1. Display 104 includes one or more light sources and a variety ofother optical features for presenting images. Light sources may include,for example, light emitting diodes, liquid crystal component,electroluminescent components, incandescent light sources, gas dischargesources, lasers, electron emission sources, and/or quantum dot sources,among other existing and future light-source technologies. In an exampledisplay screen, sets of light sources may be organized into arrays andother such groupings in order to form complex images or patterns. Insuch an arrangement, each light source may behave as an individualilluminated location (e.g., a pixel) on a larger display screen. Inother arrangements, single light sources may illuminate several pixels.Light sources may also include components necessary to split a singlebeam into multiple beams of light (e.g., lenticular barriers, lenticulararrays, parallax barriers, lenses, prisms, mirrors, beam-splitters,liquid crystals, electronic ink, baffles, filters, polarizers, and/orwaveguides. etc). In an exemplary embodiment, display 104 is the liquidcrystal display of a 3D television. In another embodiment, display 104is the LED display of a computer monitor system.

Display 104 includes optical-deflection system 106. Optical-deflectionsystem 106 includes controllable lenslets as further described herein.Optical-deflection system 106 is responsible for controlling the angulardirection of light produced by light sources of display 104.Optical-deflection system 106 may include any of several types ofoptical deflectors and may be controlled and implemented in a variety ofways. The optical deflectors discussed herein utilize controllablelenslets to direct beams of light to a viewer or viewing location.Optical-deflection system 106 may include mechanical, electro-optical,and acousto-optical components.

Controllable lenslets may include mechanical deflectors that aretypically passive optical components, such as, lenses, waveguides,mirrors, and/or beamsplitters, etc. When used with a fixed light source,such passive optical elements will typically deflect light from thefixed light source in the same way each time they are used. Mechanicaldeflectors may be used in conjunction with controllable lenslets asdescribed herein. In this manner, light beams passing through amechanical beam splitter may be split into multiple beams (e.g. aleft-eye beam, and a right-eye beam, etc.), and then steered byelectronically controllable lenslets. This allows both the left-eye beamand right-eye beam to be controlled and steered separately or at thesame time.

Controllable lenslets may include electro-optical deflectors thatcontrollably deflect light by passing light through specializedmaterials that are optically reactive to electrical signals. Forinstance, some crystals and polar liquids change refractive index inresponse to an applied electric field. In particular, those materialsthat exhibit the Kerr electro-optic effect change refractive index inproportion to the square of the strength of an applied electric field.Materials that exhibit the Pockels electro-optic effect changerefractive index linearly with the strength of an applied electricfield. Hence, optical-deflection system 106 may send light throughcontrollable lenslets containing deflectors that exhibit either effectand thereby control the light's angle of deflection by manipulating theelectric field that it applies across the material. Otherelectro-optical and magneto-optical effects may be used in suchlenslets. As discussed with respect to mechanical passive deflectors,light beams for a single pixel may be split into multiple beams (e.g. aleft-eye beam, and a right-eye beam, etc.), and then steered by thecontrollable electro-optical deflectors of the lenslets. This allowsboth the left-eye beam and right-eye beam to be controlled and steeredat the same time.

Controllable lenslets may include acousto-optical deflectors that useacoustic (e.g., sound) waves in an optical medium to control how lightwill propagate (and deflect) while passing through the medium. Inparticular, when a standing acoustic wave is generated in a material,the periodic nature of the wave produces a pattern of alternatingregions of more dense and less dense material. This alternating patternof density causes a corresponding alternating pattern of refractiveindex through the material, which, in turn, causes light passing throughthe material to diffract, undergoing partial scattering at the multipleevenly spaced planes defined by the alternating densities setup by thestanding acoustic wave. Due to this periodic scattering, only lighttraveling in certain directions will constructively interfere and passthrough the material, meaning that light will emerge from such adeflector only at certain angles. The allowed angles of emergence fromsuch a deflector depend, among other things, on the frequency of theacoustic wave, i.e., the spacing between its waves. Therefore,acousto-optical deflectors may enable deflection system 106 to changethe deflection angle (i.e., the angle of emergence) of light passingthrough the deflector selectively, by changing the frequency of theacoustic wave. As discussed with respect to mechanical passivedeflectors, light beams for a single pixel may be split into multiplebeams (e.g. a left-eye beam, and a right-eye beam, etc.), and thensteered by the acoustic-optical deflectors of the controllable lenslets.This allows both the left-eye beam and right-eye beam to be controlledand steered at the same time.

In some systems, acousto-optical deflectors may generate acoustic wavesthrough only a thin layer at the surface of an optical element. Such awave, called a surface acoustic wave (SAW), may produce a similaroptical effect as bulk acoustic waves (i.e., acoustic waves through thebulk of the material). To create a SAW, systems may send electricalsignals to piezoelectric or other electro-mechanical transducersorganized at the surface of an optical material. For instance,comb-shaped transducers may be organized in an interdigitated pattern sothat alternating signals at the transducers may yield standing waves atthe surface of the material. Other techniques may also be used.

Autostereoscopic display system 100 further includes processing circuit102. Processing circuit 102 contains components necessary forcontrolling optical-deflection system 106 of display 104. Processingcircuit 102 generates signals necessary to adjust the controllablelenslets of optical-deflection system 106. In one embodiment, processingcircuit 102 receives input related to a desired/ideal viewing location,or a sweet-spot. In another embodiment, processing circuit 102 generatesan ideal viewing location. Processing circuit 102 causes controllablelenslets to adjust the deflection angles of left-eye and right-eye beamsproduced by pixels, and thereby adjusts viewing locations. Viewinglocations may be adjusted lateral or in range. In one embodiment,autostereoscopic display system 100 includes components for generatingan identifier to assist a viewer in finding the ideal viewing location.For example, this may include projecting a light beam aimed at the idealviewing location, or displaying the range/angle information of the idealviewing location on the display (e.g. via the graphical user interface)of autostereoscopic display system 100.

Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram of autostereoscopic display system200 for executing the systems and methods of the present disclosure isshown. According to an exemplary embodiment, autostereoscopic displaysystem 200 includes processing circuit 202, display 204,optical-deflection system 206, and viewer tracking system 208.Processing circuit 202, display 204, and optical-deflection system 206may be configured as described above with respect to FIG. 1 (e.g.,processing circuit 102, display 104, and optical-deflection system 106,etc.). Some embodiments may not include all the elements shown in FIG. 2and/or may include additional elements not shown in the example systemof FIG. 2. Viewer tracking system 208 is generally configured to trackthe location of a viewer of display 204. Viewer-tracking system 208provides viewer location information to processing circuit 202, whichmay adjust optical-deflection system 206 such that left-eye andright-eye beams are aimed at a viewer's left and right eyes,respectively. Viewer tracking may be implemented in a variety of ways.In one embodiment, viewer tracking system 208 uses eye-trackingmechanisms. Eye-tracking components may be integral in the same deviceas display 204 or may be a separate device. In other cases, eye-trackingcomponents may communicate with other elements of the system (e.g.,processing circuit 202). In some cases, viewer tracking system 208 maycontrol itself and send eye-tracking and/or viewer location data toprocessing circuit 202. In other arrangements, viewer tracking system208 may receive control signaling from a central controller in additionto sending viewer location data.

In an exemplary embodiment, viewer-tracking system 208 includescomponents used to generate viewer and eye-location data (i.e. dataindicating the location of a viewer's eyes relative to the display 204as opposed to gaze direction, which would indicate the direction theeyes are looking) in a variety of ways. As an example, such componentsmay include cameras, infrared sensors, radar sensors, ultrasonicsensors, etc. A video-processing approach may involve capturing imagesin the direction that display 204 faces and analyzing the images todetect portions of the image that are representative of one or more eyelocations. Another approach may use proximity sensors may determineeye-locations by sending optical or acoustic signals into an area,measuring signals that are reflected back towards the sensor, andprocessing the reflected signals to detect data indicative of at leastone eye-position. In another arrangement, a user may wear or carry adevice or other labeling element that viewer-tracking system 208 maydetect and use as an indication of the position of the viewer's eyes. Ina video processing, proximity sensing, or other detection techniques,sensors may determine eye-locations from data representing the actualeye, such as an image of the eye or optical/acoustic waves reflectedfrom the eye. Additionally or alternatively, sensors may determineeye-locations from data representing other parts of the viewer's body.For example, in response to receiving data that is indicative of theposition and orientation of a viewer's head or nose, the system mayrelate these head characteristics to a general template and therebyestimate the position of each of the user's eyes. It should beunderstood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to aparticular method of viewer or eye tracking

Referring to FIG. 3, a more detailed block diagram of processing circuit300 for completing the systems and methods of the present disclosure isshown according to an exemplary embodiment. Processing circuit 300 maybe processing circuit 102 of FIG. 1 or processing circuit 202 of FIG. 2,etc. Processing circuit 300 is generally configured to accept input froman outside source (e.g., a viewer tracking system, etc.). Processingcircuit 300 is further configured to receive configuration andpreference data. Input data may be accepted continuously orperiodically. Processing circuit 300 uses the input data in adjustingthe controllable lenslets of an optical-deflection system. Processingcircuit 300 generates signals necessary to increase or decrease theangle of deflection of a left-eye beam and a right-eye beam. Forexample, processing circuit 300 may cause the controllable lenslet of apixel to steer both the left-eye beam and right-eye beams of the pixelby the same angular amounts. In this manner, the lateral viewinglocation for that pixel may be adjusted. In another embodiment,processing circuit 300 causes the controllable lenslet of a pixel tosteer both the left-eye beam and right-eye beams of the pixel bydiffering angular amounts. In this manner, the range (i.e. forward andbackward distance) of the viewing location for that pixel may beadjusted. Processing circuit 300 may adjust both the lateral positioningand range of a viewing location of a pixel. Additionally, processingcircuit 300 may control lenslets corresponding groups of pixels, therebyadjusting the overall viewing locations corresponding to the groups ofpixels. In some embodiments, a certain group of pixels may be allocatedto a particular viewer. In this arrangement, processing circuit 300 mayadjust the lenslets corresponding the a group of pixels such that eachviewer is provided a viewing location.

According to an exemplary embodiment, processing circuit 300 includesprocessor 306. Processor 306 may be implemented as a general-purposeprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one ormore field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processingcomponents, or other suitable electronic processing components.Processing circuit 300 also includes memory 308. Memory 308 is one ormore devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash Memory, hard disk storage, etc.) forstoring data and/or computer code for facilitating the various processesdescribed herein. Memory 308 may be or include non-transient volatilememory or non-volatile memory. Memory 308 may include databasecomponents, object code components, script components, or any other typeof information structure for supporting the various activities andinformation structures described herein. Memory 308 may be communicablyconnected to the processor 306 and include computer code or instructionsfor controlling lenslets as described herein and for executing theprocesses described herein (e.g., the processes shown in FIGS. 9-11).

Memory 308 includes memory buffer 310. Memory buffer 310 is configuredto receive data from a module of an autostereoscopic display unit (e.g.optical-deflection system 106, viewer tracking system 208, etc.) throughinput 302. For example, the data may include viewer information,eye-location information, ideal viewing location information, lightdetection information, sonic or ultrasonic information, thermalinformation, and camera information. The data received through input 302may be stored in memory buffer 310 until memory buffer 310 is accessedfor data by the various modules of memory 308. For example, opticaldeflection module 316 may access the data that is stored in memorybuffer 310.

Memory 308 further includes configuration data 312 and preference data314. Configuration data 312 includes data relating to processing circuit300. For example, configuration data 312 may include informationrelating to interfacing with other components of an autostereoscopicdisplay. This may include the command set needed to interface withdisplay and light generation components, for example, an LCD display. Asanother example, configuration data 312 may include default informationas to where a viewing location is positioned or how often input shouldbe accepted from a view detection system. Configuration data 312 furtherincludes data used to configure the communications between the variouscomponents of processing circuit 300. Preference data 314 may be used tostore viewer related settings. In one embodiment, a viewer specifies herdesired viewing location, including an angular offset and range, andsuch data is stored in preference data 314.

Optical deflection module 316 is configured to generate signalsnecessary to electronically control and adjust the lenslets of theoptical-deflection system (e.g., optical-deflection system 106,optical-deflection system 206, etc.) of an autostereoscopic display.Optical deflection module 316 generally receives information relating toa viewing location and generates signals and commands necessary to causecontrollable lenslets to steer light beams to the viewing location. Asan example, viewing location information may be provided byconfiguration data 312, preference data 314, or a viewer trackingsystem.

In an exemplary embodiment, the viewing location information containsrange data and eye-location data provided by a viewer tracking system.Range and eye-location data may be provided by the viewer trackingsystem in real time, according to a schedule, or on demand (e.g., inresponse to a user command, a calibration method, or other event, etc.).Range data may correspond to a viewer's distance, or the distance of adesired viewing location. Eye-location data may portray or representvarious characteristics of detected eyes of a viewer. For example,eye-location data may represent the spatial position of the detectedeyes in any coordinate system in one, two, or three dimensions. Asanother example, eye-location data may represent estimated futurelocations of the detected eyes. As a further example, eye-location datamay represent the movement of the detected eyes. As still anotherexample, eye-location data may represent specific characteristics of thedetected eyes (e.g., right eye, left eye, first viewer, second viewer,specific viewer identity, etc.). Optical deflection module 316 analyzesthe range and eye-location data and generates signals to electronicallyadjust the angular steering provided by the controllable lenslets of theoptical-deflection system. Angular adjustments may correspond to thelocation of the particular lenslet (or group of lenslets) on thedisplay. As an example, for a viewing location in line with the centerof the display, a lenslet of a pixel located at the center of thedisplay may angularly steer light less in comparison to a lenslet of apixel located at the edge of the display.

In an exemplary embodiment, the viewing location information is providedby configuration data 312. The viewing location information includesdefault values for a viewing location or viewing locations. Such alocation may include a defined distance and angle from the display. Asan example, an ideal viewing location may be 12 feet from the centeraxis of the display. Optical-deflection module 316 receives thesecoordinates and adjusts the lenslets of the optical-deflection systemaccordingly. Adjustments may be made according to an adjustmentalgorithm. Such an adjustment algorithm is capable of receiving viewinglocation coordinates, and calculating the appropriate angular offsetsrequired for a particular lenslet, or group of lenslets. Calculationsmay be made according to one, two, or three-dimensions, and utilize anycoordinate system. Angular deflection adjustments required for aparticular pixel may be defined with respect to the dimensions andspecifications of the display. Accordingly, the adjustment algorithm mayaccess configuration data 312 for information relating the geometry andspecifications of the particular display. As an example, the informationmay include screen size, pixel density, lenslet density, etc.

In an exemplary embodiment, the viewing location information is providedby preference data 314. The viewing location information includes valuesfor a viewing location as input by a viewer. For example, a viewer mayuse a graphical user interface (GUI) system of the autostereoscopicdisplay to input a desired viewing location. Such a location may includea distance and angle from the display. As an example, the viewinglocation may be located 8 feet in distance from the display, and offsetat a 5 degree angle from a center axis of the display.Optical-deflection module 316 receives these coordinates and adjusts thelenslets of the optical-deflection system accordingly.

Referring to FIG. 4 a, a schematic diagram 400 a of light rays 410 andelectronically controllable lenticular lenslets 408 are shown accordingto an exemplary embodiment. Pixels 402 include light sources 404, andare depicting as having one controllable lenslet 408 per pixel 402,where each controllable lenslet 408 is capable of steering both aleft-eye beam and right-eye beam. Light sources 404 include componentsnecessary for the generation of light corresponding to an image to bedisplayed. As an example, light sources 404 may include light emittingdiodes, liquid crystal components, electroluminescent components, andincandescent light sources, etc. Light sources 404 each generate rays oflight which are split into left-eye and right-eye rays (i.e. light rays410) by beam splitters 406. Beam splitters 406 include componentsnecessary to split a ray of light into at least two separate beams. Asan example components may include lenticular components, parallaxbarriers, lenses, prisms, mirrors, beam-splitters, liquid crystals,electronic ink, baffles, filters, polarizers, and/or waveguides. Beamsplitters 406 may include passive or active components. Light rays 410include left-eye beams (represented by solid lines) and right-eye beams(represented by dashed lines). Lenslets 408 are depicted as steeringlight rays 410 such that the left-eye and right-eye beams for each pixel402 reach the left and right eyes 414 of viewer 412, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 4 b, a schematic diagram 400 b of light rays 410 andelectronically controllable lenticular lenslets 408 are shown accordingto an exemplary embodiment. Pixels 403 include light sources 404, andare depicted as having two controllable lenslets 408 per pixel 403,where a single controllable lenslet 408 is capable of steering both aleft-eye beam and right-eye beam. It should be noted that additionalconfigurations of multiple controllable lenslets per pixel areenvisioned by the scope of this application. Such arrangements ofmultiple lenslets per pixel allow for multiple view configurations(e.g., angular multiplexing, time multiplexing, etc). Light sources 404include components necessary for the generation of light correspondingto an image to be displayed. As an example, light sources 404 mayinclude light emitting diodes, liquid crystal components,electroluminescent components, and incandescent light sources, etc.Light sources 404 each generate rays of light which are split intoleft-eye and right-eye rays (i.e. light rays 410) by beam splitters 407.Beam splitters 407 include components necessary to split a ray of lightinto at least four separate beams. As an example beam splittingcomponents may include lenticular components, parallax barriers, lenses,prisms, mirrors, beam-splitters, liquid crystals, electronic ink,baffles, filters, polarizers, and/or waveguides. Beam splitters 406 mayinclude passive or active components. Light rays 410 include left-eyebeams (represented by solid lines) and right-eye beams (represented bydashed lines). By including multiple lenslets 408 per pixel, multipleviewing locations may be generated for multiple viewers. In this manner,viewer 412 and viewer 416 may each have left-eye beams and right-eyebeams projected toward their left and right eyes 414 and 418,respectively.

Referring again to FIG. 4 a, in an exemplary embodiment, lenslets 408each include electro-refractive materials. Such electro-refractivematerial include properties that are optically reactive to electricalsignals, and may be formed into beam steering components (e.g.,electro-refractive lenses, electro-refractive prisms, evanescent-basedelectro-optic components, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, an electricfield is applied across an electro-refractive lens, and the refractiveindex of the lens is adjusted according to the electric field (i.e. perKerr or Pockels electro-optic effects, etc.). The applied electric fieldmay be controlled by a processing circuit (e.g., processing circuit 300of FIG. 3). Lenslets 408 includes electro-optic materials configured tosteer a left-eye beam and a right-eye beam. This may include, multiplelenses, multiple prisms, etc. Through the application of electric fieldsto both the left-eye beam and right-eye beam components of lenslets 408,the diffractions angles of left-eye and right-eye beams may becontrolled separately, and the left-eye and right-eye beams steered tocontrolled locations.

In one embodiment, lenslets 408 each include components (e.g., lenses,prisms, microprism arrays, cells, etc.) utilizing an electrowettingeffect. This may include electrolyte droplets (e.g., liquid polymers,oils, etc.) that exhibit such an electrowetting effect. By applying anelectric field, a solid-to-electrolyte contact angle may be adjusted dueto the electrical potential difference between the solid and theelectrolyte droplet. The electric field toward the edges of theelectrolyte droplet pull the droplet down onto the electrode, loweringthe solid-to-electrolyte contact angle and increasing the dropletcontact area. In other words, the diffraction angle (i.e. refractiveindex) of the electrolyte material may be adjusted by controlling theapplied electric field. Light rays passing through such electrolytedroplets may then be effectively steered according to the diffraction ofthe rays passing through the electrolyte material. As discussed herein,the applied electric fields of lenslets 408 may be controlled by aprocessing circuit (e.g., processing circuit 300 of FIG. 3). Through theapplication of electric fields to both the left-eye beam and right-eyebeam electrolyte components of lenslets 408, the diffractions angles ofleft-eye and right-eye beams are controlled, and the left-eye andright-eye beams are steered to controlled locations.

In an exemplary embodiment, lenslets 408 each include electro-refractiveprisms configured to vary the refraction angle of light rays 410 passingthrough the prisms. Such prisms may be arranged in an array and havecontrollable refractive angles. An electric field is applied across theelectro-refractive prisms, and left-eye and right-eye beams passingthrough the prism may be steered to a desired viewing location. Suchprisms may steer left-eye and right-eye beams (as provided by beamsplitters 406 or 407 as discussed above). In another embodiment,electro-refractive prisms both split and steer a beam of light asprovided by light source 404. In such an embodiment, beam splitters 406may be absent from pixels 402. In an exemplary embodiment,electro-refractive prisms include positive and negative prisms ofcontrollable strengths. In another exemplary embodiment,electro-refractive prisms include biased single-sign prisms ofcontrollable strengths. In another exemplary embodiment,electro-refractive prisms include uniform index prisms (with prismaticshapes). In another exemplary embodiment, electro-refractive prismsinclude graded index prisms (with uniform shapes). In another exemplaryembodiment, electro-refractive prisms include a mix of prisms asdescribed herein (e.g., uniform index prisms and graded index prisms,etc.). A selection of prisms may be depend on cost requirements, orpixel configurations of a particular display.

It should be noted, that any of the electro-refractive materialsdiscussed herein may be combined in arrangements with other components.For example, electro-refractive prisms may be paired withnon-electro-refractive lenses. In one embodiment, electro-refractiveprisms are paired with electro-refractive lenses. Such lenses may beutilized to focus beams passing therethrough.

In an exemplary embodiment, lenslets 408 each include acousto-opticaldeflectors (as described above) configured to use surface acoustic waves(SAW) to vary the refraction angle (i.e., the angle of emergence) oflight rays 410 passing through the optical medium of the deflector. Forexample, an acousto-optical deflector of a lenslet 408 may adjust therefraction angle by changing the frequency of the acoustic wavesgenerated within the optical medium. The frequency of the acoustic wavesmay be controlled by a processing circuit (e.g., processing circuit 300of FIG. 3). A lenslet 408 may include an acousto-optical deflectorcorresponding to the left-eye beam and an acousto-optical deflectorcorresponding to the right-eye beam. By adjusting the acoustic waves ofthe deflectors corresponding to left-eye beam and right-eye beam oflenslets 408, the diffractions angles of each the left-eye and right-eyebeams may be controlled and the left-eye and right-eye beams steered tocontrolled locations. In one embodiment, the acousto-optical deflectorof a lenslet 408 uses SAW wavelength ranges selected to corresponding todifferent colors of light being generated. In this manner, lightproduced by red, green, and blue, etc., subpixels of a pixel may bediffractively steered. Acousto-optical deflectors may be used in alenslet 408 in any manner as discussed herein for electro-refractivebased components.

Referring to FIG. 5, a schematic diagram of controllable lenslet 512 isshown according to an exemplary embodiment. Light source 502 generates alight beam corresponding to a pixel. Light source 502 may be a lightsource as described herein or otherwise (e.g., light emitting diodes,liquid crystal component, electroluminescent components, andincandescent light sources, etc.). Light ray 504 passes through beamsplitter 506 configured to split a ray of light into two beams of light(left-eye beam 508 and right-eye beam 510). Beam splitter 506 mayinclude passive or active components, or a combination of passive andactive components. Left-eye beam 508 and right-eye beam 510 pass throughcontrollable lenslet 512, which steers each beam towards a controlledlocation (e.g., a viewing location, the eyes 516 of viewer 514, etc.).Lenslet 512 is shown as including electro-refractive prisms for both theleft-eye beam and right-eye beam. Such electro-refractive prisms steerlight beams through the adjustment of their refraction angles, which maybe controlled according to the electric field applied. Although FIG. 5depicts lenslet 512 as including electro-refractive prisms, in otherembodiments, lenslet 512 may utilize acousto-optical deflectors or otherelectro-refractive materials as discussed herein. In one embodiment,lenslet 512 includes non-electro-refractive lenses configured to focusthe beams of light leaving the electro-refractive components.

Referring to FIG. 6, a schematic diagram of controllable lenslet 612 isshown according to an exemplary embodiment. Light source 602 generates alight beam corresponding to a pixel. Light source 602 may be a lightsource as described herein or otherwise (e.g., light emitting diodes,liquid crystal component, electroluminescent components, andincandescent light sources, etc.). Light ray 604 passes through beamsplitter 606 configured to split a ray of light into two beams of light(left-eye beam 608 and right-eye beam 610). Beam splitter 606 mayinclude passive or active components, or a combination of passive andactive components. Left-eye beam 608 and right-eye beam 610 pass throughcontrollable lenslet 612, which steers each beam towards a controlledlocation (e.g., a viewing location, the eyes 616 of viewer 614, etc.).Lenslet 612 is shown as including electro-refractive lenses for both theleft-eye beam and right-eye beam. Such electro-refractive lenses steerlight beams through the adjustment of their refraction angles, which maybe controlled according to the electric field applied. Although FIG. 6depicts lenslet 612 as including electro-refractive prisms or arrays ofprisms, in other embodiments, lenslet 612 may utilize acousto-opticaldeflectors or other electro-refractive materials as discussed herein.

Referring to FIGS. 7 a and 7 b, light rays 704 are shown correspondingto exemplary embodiments in use. FIG. 7 a shows light rays 704 asgenerated by pixels 702 in order to generate a first viewing location706. Pixels 702 includes controllable lenslets as described herein(e.g., lenslets 408 of FIG. 4 a, etc.) and may be part of anautostereoscopic display. Viewing location 706 may correspond to anideal location in which a viewer should view an autostereoscopicdisplay. FIG. 7 b shows light rays 704 as generated by pixels 702 inorder to generate a second viewing location 708. Viewing location 708 isdepicted as being laterally transposed from viewing location 706. Thelateral location of a viewing location may be varied by adjusting thesteering angle corresponding to left-eye beams and right-eye beams bythe same angular amount. For example, at first viewing location 706, theleft-eye beam and right-eye beam of a pixel 802 may each be steered by acontrollable lenslet to project from the display at −5 degrees off acenter-axis. At second viewing location 708, the left-eye beam andright-eye beam of a pixel 802 may each be steered by the controllablelenslet to project from the display at +5 degrees off the center-axis.By applying similar shifts to the pixels corresponding to a view,viewing location 706 may be laterally shifted to the position depictedby viewing location 708. A processing circuit (e.g., processing circuit300 of FIG. 3) may control and calculate the appropriate angular amountsrequired to laterally adjust a viewing location.

Referring to FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, light rays 804 are shown correspondingto exemplary embodiments in use. FIG. 8 a shows light rays 804 asgenerated by pixels 802 in order to generate a first viewing location806. Pixels 802 includes controllable lenslets as described herein(e.g., lenslets 408 of FIG. 4 a, etc.) and may be part of anautostereoscopic display. Viewing location 806 may correspond to anideal location in which a viewer should view an autostereoscopicdisplay. FIG. 8 b shows light rays 804 as generated by pixels 802 inorder to generate a second viewing location 808. Viewing location 808 isdepicted as being transposed in range from viewing location 806. Therange of a viewing location may be varied by adjusting the steeringangle corresponding to left-eye beams and right-eye beams by different(e.g. opposite) angular amounts. For example, at first viewing location806, the left-eye beam of a pixel 802 may be steered by a controllablelenslet to project at −5 degrees off a center-axis, and the right-eyebeam of a pixel 802 may be steered by the controllable lenslet toproject at +5 degrees off the center-axis. At second viewing location808, the left-eye beam of a pixel 802 may be steered by the controllablelenslet to project at −10 degrees off a center-axis, and the right-eyebeam of a pixel 802 may be steered by the controllable lenslet toproject at +10 degrees off the center-axis. By applying similar shiftsto the pixels corresponding to a view, viewing location 806 may beshifted in range to the position depicted by viewing location 808. Aprocessing circuit (e.g., processing circuit 300 of FIG. 3) may controland calculate the appropriate angular amounts required to adjust therange of a viewing location.

Such lateral and range shifts in a viewing location may correspond to avariety of embodiments. Lateral and range shifts in a viewing locationmay occur at the same time or separately. Multiple viewing locations mayalso be varied at the same time, or separately. Lateral and range shiftsmay also vary to correspond to different pixel locations across thesurface of the display in order to deliver a global ideal viewinglocation. In one embodiment, a viewing location is varied statically.For example, the viewing location may be based on a preset optionprovided by the display (e.g., range locations may be 8 feet, 10 feet,12 feet from the center of the display, etc., and lateral locations maybe −5 degrees, 0 degrees, and +5 degrees from a center axis, etc.). Inanother embodiment, the viewing location corresponds to a viewer savedsetting. In another embodiment, multiple viewers each have their ownviewing location. In another embodiment, a viewing location shifts inresponse to a viewer command.

In an exemplary embodiment, a viewing location is varied dynamically.For example, the viewing location may be based on the detected locationof a viewer, and may shift to track the viewer as the viewer moves.Viewer tracking may be implemented utilizing a viewer tracking system asdescribed herein (e.g., viewer tracking system 208 of FIG. 2). In oneembodiment, a viewer is tracked utilizing cameras. In anotherembodiment, a viewer is tracked utilizing a tracking beacon worn orotherwise carried by the viewer. In another embodiment, a viewer istracked using radar sensors. A processing circuit (e.g., processingcircuit 300 of FIG. 3) receives data corresponding to the location of aviewer, and adjusts a viewing location generated by the lenslets ofpixels 802 according to the viewer location data. A viewing location mayalso be adjusted in real time in response to a moving viewer, oraccording to a schedule (e.g., every 2 seconds, every 5 seconds, etc.),or otherwise.

Referring to FIG. 9, a flow diagram of a process 900 for usingcontrollable lenticular lenslets is shown, according to an exemplaryembodiment. In alternative embodiments, fewer, additional, and/ordifferent steps may be performed. Also, the use of a flow diagram is notmeant to be limiting with respect to the order of steps performed.Process 900 includes displaying, using a plurality of pixels, light raysrepresenting a left-eye view and a right-eye view of an image (step902), accepting input corresponding to the location of a viewer (step904), steering the light ray representing the left-eye view passingthrough the lenslet by adjusting the angular direction of the left-eyelight ray such that the left-eye light ray is aimed at the viewer (step906), and steering the light ray representing the left-eye view passingthrough the lenslet by adjusting the angular direction of the right-eyelight ray such that the right-eye light ray is aimed at the viewer (step908).

Referring to FIG. 10, a flow diagram of a process 1000 for usingcontrollable lenticular lenslets is shown, according to an exemplaryembodiment. In alternative embodiments, fewer, additional, and/ordifferent steps may be performed. Also, the use of a flow diagram is notmeant to be limiting with respect to the order of steps performed.Process 1000 includes displaying, using a plurality of pixels, lightrays representing a left-eye view and a right-eye view of an image (step1002), and accepting input corresponding to a user's desired viewinglocation (step 1004). If a viewer's desired viewing location is alreadyset (step 1006), then input corresponding to a user's desired viewinglocation continues to be accepted (step 1004) (i.e. wait for an updateddesired location). If a viewer's desired viewing location is not alreadyset (step 1006), then the light rays representing the left-eye andright-eye views passing through the lenslet are steered by adjusting theangular directions of the left-eye and right-eye light rays (steps 1008and 1010). The angular directions are adjusted by equal amounts forlateral positioning of the viewing location, and the angular directionsare adjusted by differing amounts for range positioning of the viewinglocation (steps 1008 and 1010). Any combination of adjustments to theangular directions may be used to steer the left-eye and right-eye lightrays.

Referring to FIG. 11, a flow diagram of a process 1100 for usingcontrollable lenticular lenslets is shown, according to an exemplaryembodiment. In alternative embodiments, fewer, additional, and/ordifferent steps may be performed. Also, the use of a flow diagram is notmeant to be limiting with respect to the order of steps performed.Process 1100 includes displaying, using a plurality of pixels, lightrays representing a left-eye view and a right-eye view of an image (step1102), and accepting input corresponding to actively monitoring thelocation of a viewer (step 1104). If the viewer's location has changedor an initial viewer location has not been set (step 1106), then thelight rays representing the left-eye and right-eye views passing throughthe lenslet are steered by adjusting the angular direction of theleft-eye and right-eye light rays (steps 1108 and 1110). The angulardirections are adjusted by equal amounts for lateral positioning of theviewer, and the angular directions are adjusted by differing amounts forrange positioning of the viewer (steps 1108 and 1110). Any combinationof adjustments to the angular directions may be used to steer theleft-eye and right-eye light rays.

The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown inthe various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only afew embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements may bereversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discreteelements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method stepsmay be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplaryembodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and programproducts on any machine-readable media for accomplishing variousoperations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implementedusing existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computerprocessor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or anotherpurpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of thepresent disclosure include program products comprising machine-readablemedia for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or datastructures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example,such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROMor other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or storedesired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions ordata structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose orspecial purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Wheninformation is transferred or provided over a network or anothercommunications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combinationof hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views theconnection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such connection isproperly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above arealso included within the scope of machine-readable media.Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions anddata which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer,or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function orgroup of functions.

Although the figures may show a specific order of method steps, theorder of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or moresteps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Suchvariation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and ondesigner choice. All such variations are within the scope of thedisclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplishedwith standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and otherlogic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps,comparison steps and decision steps.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopeand spirit being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An autostereoscopic 3D display system,comprising: a display comprising a plurality of pixels, wherein eachpixel is configured to simultaneously display light rays representing aleft-eye view and a right-eye view of an image; an optical-deflectionsystem configured to control the light rays representing the left-eyeview and the right-eye view, wherein the optical-deflection systemincludes a separately controllable lenslet associated with each pixel,wherein the lenslet is configured to: steer the light ray representingthe left-eye view corresponding to the pixel; steer the light rayrepresenting the right-eye view corresponding to the pixel; wherein thelight ray representing the left-eye view and the light ray representingthe right-eye view are steered separately by adjusting an angulardirection of the light ray representing the left-eye view and the lightray representing the right-eye view by a different amount.
 2. Theautostereoscopic 3D display system of claim 1, wherein the lensletcomprises an electro-refractive element configured to adjust an angulardirection of a light ray passing therethrough.
 3. The autostereoscopic3D display system of claim 2, wherein the electro-refractive elementincludes an electrowetting component.
 4. The autostereoscopic 3D displaysystem of claim 2, wherein the electro-refractive element includes anevanescent-based electro-optic beam steerer.
 5. The autostereoscopic 3Ddisplay system of claim 2, wherein the electro-refractive elementincludes an electrically controllable large angle deflection component.6. The autostereoscopic 3D display system of claim 2, wherein theelectro-refractive element includes a positive electro-refractive prismhaving a controllable strength and a negative electro-refractive prismhaving a controllable strength.
 7. The autostereoscopic 3D displaysystem of claim 2, further comprising a processing circuit configured tocontrol each lenslet by generating signals to: adjust the angulardirection of the light ray representing the left-eye view passingthrough the each lenslet; and adjust the angular direction of the lightray representing the right-eye view passing through the each lenslet. 8.The autostereoscopic 3D display system of claim 7, wherein theprocessing circuit is further configured to adjust angular directions oflight rays corresponding to a group of pixels.
 9. The autostereoscopic3D display system of claim 8, wherein the adjustment to the angulardirections of the light rays corresponding to the group of pixels variesan ideal viewing location.
 10. The autostereoscopic 3D display system ofclaim 9, wherein the ideal viewing location is a global ideal viewinglocation.
 11. The autostereoscopic 3D display system of claim 9, furthercomprising a component configured to generate an identifier configuredto assist a viewer in finding the ideal viewing location.
 12. Theautostereoscopic 3D display system of claim 9, further comprising acomponent configured to track a viewer, and wherein the ideal locationis updated based on viewer movement.
 13. The autostereoscopic 3D displaysystem of claim 1, wherein each pixel further comprises a stereoscopiccomponent configured to split a light ray into the light raysrepresenting a left-eye view and a right-eye view of an image.
 14. Theautostereoscopic 3D display system of claim 1, further comprising morethan one controllable lenslet associated with each pixel.
 15. Theautostereoscopic 3D display system of claim 1, wherein the lensletcomprises an acousto-optic element configured to generate a surfaceacoustic wave to adjust an angular direction of a light ray passingtherethrough.
 16. The autostereoscopic 3D display system of claim 15,wherein a wavelength of the surface acoustic wave corresponds to a colorof the light ray passing therethrough.
 17. A method for controlling a 3Ddisplay, comprising: simultaneously displaying, by each pixel of aplurality of pixels, a plurality of light rays originating from a commonlight beam, including light rays representing a left-eye view and aright-eye view of an image; and controlling the light rays representingthe left-eye view and the right-eye view by using at least oneseparately controllable lenslet per pixel, wherein the lenslet comprisesan electro-refractive element configured to adjust an angular directionof a light ray passing therethrough, wherein the lenslet is configuredto simultaneously: steer the light ray representing the left-eye viewcorresponding to the pixel; and steer the light ray representing theright-eye view corresponding to the pixel; and adjusting the angulardirection of the light ray representing the left-eye view passingthrough the lenslet and adjusting the angular direction of the light rayrepresenting the right-eye view passing through the lenslet; wherein theangular directions of the light ray representing the left-eye view andthe light ray representing the right-eye view is adjusted by a differentamount.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the electro-refractiveelement includes an electrowetting component.
 19. The method of claim17, wherein the electro-refractive element includes an evanescent-basedelectro-optic beam steerer.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein theelectro-refractive element includes an electrically controllable largeangle deflection component.
 21. The method of claim 17, wherein theelectro-refractive element includes a positive electro-refractive prismhaving a controllable strength and a negative electro-refractive prismhaving a controllable strength.
 22. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising adjusting angular directions of light rays corresponding to agroup of pixels.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the adjustment tothe angular directions of the light rays corresponding to the group ofpixels varies an ideal viewing location.
 24. The method of claim 23,further comprising generating an identifier configured to assist aviewer in finding the ideal viewing location.
 25. The method of claim23, further comprising tracking a viewer and updating the ideal locationbased on viewer movement.
 26. The method of claim 17, wherein each pixelcomprises a stereoscopic component configured to split a light ray intothe light rays representing a left-eye view and a right-eye view of animage.
 27. The method of claim 17, wherein the lenslet comprises anacousto-optic element configured to generate a surface acoustic wave toadjust an angular direction of a light ray passing therethrough.
 28. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions storedthereon for execution by a processing circuit, the instructionscomprising: instructions for controlling a plurality of pixelsconfigured to display light rays representing a left-eye view and aright-eye view of an image; instructions for controlling at least oneseparately controllable lenslet per pixel, wherein lenslet is configuredto: steer the light ray representing the left-eye view corresponding tothe pixel; and steer the light ray representing the right-eye viewcorresponding to the pixel; and instructions for adjusting angulardirections of light rays corresponding to a group of pixels, wherein anadjustment to the angular directions of the light rays corresponding tothe group of pixels varies an ideal viewing location; and instructionsfor tracking a viewer and instructions for updating the ideal viewinglocation based on viewer movement; wherein the light ray representingthe left-eye view and the light ray representing the right-eye view aresteered separately by adjusting an angular direction of the light rayrepresenting the left-eye view and the light ray representing theright-eye view by a different amount.
 29. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 28, wherein the lenslet comprises anelectro-refractive element configured to adjust an angular direction ofa light ray passing therethrough.
 30. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 29, further comprising: instructionsfor adjusting the angular direction of the light ray representing theleft-eye view passing through the lenslet; and instructions foradjusting the angular direction of the light ray representing theright-eye view passing through the lenslet.
 31. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 28, further comprising instructionsfor generating an identifier configured to assist a viewer in findingthe ideal viewing location.
 32. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 28, wherein the lenslet comprises an acousto-opticelement configured to generate a surface acoustic wave to adjust anangular direction of a light ray passing therethrough.